New research on bedroom ventilation and sleep quality suggests that building standards should be revisited (ASHRAE 1837-RP)

We summarized studies examining the effects on sleep quality of poor bedroom air quality caused by inadequate ventilation. Two questions were addressed: 1) How does inadequate ventilation affect sleep? and 2) What ventilation rates are required to maintain bedroom air quality that does not reduce sleep quality? We identified and analyzed recent research studies that measured both bedroom ventilation and sleep quality. Our findings suggest that currently prescribed minimum ventilation rates for residential environments may provide insufficient ventilation for bedrooms and may thus lead to disturbed sleep. Specifically, the results suggest that absolute carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels generated by sleeping occupants should, as a minimum, remain below 1,000 ppm, and preferably below 800 ppm; in this context, CO₂ is an indicator of ventilation sufficiency, not a pollutant. To achieve these levels of CO₂, bedroom outdoor air supply rates should be at least doubled compared to existing standards. While further research is needed to confirm these conclusions, the results provide strong justification for revising residential building ventilation standards and developing more energy-efficient solutions that will ensure compliance with the recommendations formulated in the present paper.